A separate report by the Daily Mail claimed that the players were led by Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney, with one of the complaints being that the squad felt they were being turned into "robots" and that they were wearing "straitjackets".

The confrontation, which took place several weeks ago, did not prompt any immediate changes in United's approach, but it is hoped the £36m signing of Anthony Martial from Monaco will give the team more of a cutting edge.

Much of the players' frustration though centres on the considerable amount of money United have spent on signings, with so far only limited results.

They've scarcely looked much more coherent this time around - despite spending £104.5m in pre-season on the likes of Memphis Depay and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Van Gaal of course will argue that four league games into the season is hardly the time to be judging his team, but the mixed start undoubtedly adds to the pressure of Saturday's home match against Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers' team arrive at Old Trafford joint with United on seven points, and with similar problems going forward.

Van Gaal is expected to give Martial his debut, possibly from the start.